Shaktipeeth Expressway: A Game-Changer or a Problem for Farmers?

About the Shaktipeeth Expressway

The Shaktipeeth Expressway is an 802 km long, six-lane access-controlled highway that will connect Nagpur to Goa. It was announced in March 2023 and will pass through 12 districts of Maharashtra and one district in Goa. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) will manage its operation and maintenance.

Key Features of the Expressway:

• It will reduce travel time from 18-20 hours to just 7-8 hours.
• It will enhance road connectivity between Maharashtra and Goa.
• The name ‘Shaktipeeth’ comes from the fact that the highway will pass through three important temples: Mahalakshmi, Tuljabhavani, and Patradevi.
• It will be linked to the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway.
• The expressway will begin in Pavnar, Wardha district, and end in Patradevi, North Goa.
• The districts covered in Maharashtra include Wardha, Yavatmal, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani, Latur, Beed, Osmanabad, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Sindhudurg.

The Shaktipeeth Expressway aims to improve travel between Maharashtra and Goa by reducing travel time and boosting connectivity. However, many farmers fear losing their land and strongly oppose the project. While the government is determined to move ahead, the protests highlight the need for discussions to address farmers' concerns. The coming months will reveal whether the government finds a middle ground or if protests continue to grow.

Farmers Protest Against Land Acquisition

On Wednesday, farmers from 12 districts in Maharashtra gathered at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan to protest against the Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth Expressway. Farmers from Vidarbha, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra opposed the project and refused to allow the government to survey their land for acquisition.

Amid the protest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated in the state legislative council that the government is firm on moving forward with the project. However, he also said that the concerns of farmers would be considered.

Why Are Farmers Protesting?

Farmers believe that the expressway construction will take away their fertile land, which they rely on for their livelihood. They argue that they will not give up their land, even if political leaders do not support them. Since the project was announced in March 2023, farmers from all 12 districts have been opposing it.

Opposition leaders have also raised concerns. Leader of Opposition (LoP) Ambadas Danve stated that the government should listen to the farmers. Congress MLC Satej Patil added that there is no need for another road on this route because the Nagpur-Ratnagiri highway already exists. He believes that the expressway will be a waste of money and land.

Government’s Stand on the Expressway

Despite the protests, CM Fadnavis said that over 1,000 farmers have given their written consent for the project. He called the expressway a ‘game-changer’ and compared it to the Samruddhi Expressway, which has significantly improved Maharashtra’s economy. He also mentioned that the new expressway will boost connectivity to ports, airports, and other important locations in the state.

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